Being my travels down those great two lane highways of this nation as well as news I learn about them from media sources. Since I'm also very interested in historic preservation, there will be a lot of that as well.
To read captions on main photo column, just click and drag below picture.

Monday, March 30, 2009

Decided to get one day at the beach in before heading home to the 40 degree weather.

Sitting here on the balcony of the Holiday Inn on the fifth floor, typing and watching the waves come ashore about 150 yards away. Listening to 1340 AM, the "Boardwalk" as they play Beach Music. Right now, it's the Drifters' "Count His Tears."

A LITTLE FOLLY HISTORY

It's a small barrier island south of Charleston, with the name folly coming from old English meaning an area of thick foliate.

During the Civil War, the island was temporary home to 20,000 Union troops trying to capture Charleston.

Property at Folly Beach stayed cheap for a long time because it had been "tainted" by the Yankees. As a matter of fact, in 1942, Edward Seabrook, Sr. bought the whole island (all 1000 acres) for just $5,000.

In the late 1600s, while Charleston was being established, Folly Island and the surrounding islands were occupied by 19 different Indian tribes.

INTERESTING FOLLY FACTS

## George Gershwin wrote the music for Porgy and Bess at his home on West Arctic Avenue in 193.

## The first telephone on the island was in 1946 and street lights were installed in 1948.

## At midnight on September 21, 1989, Hurricane Hugo hit Folly Beach. Mandatory evacuation had been ordered the day before, fortunately, as 130-150 mph winds hammered the coast.

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Driving quite a bit today on US-21 and US-17. two major coastal roads in this area.

Rode out to Beaufort, SC, pronounced Beu-fort and on out to Folly Beach, but decided it was too windy and too late to fork over the $129 to spend a night at the Holiday Inn, which is the only motel on the beach.

Went downtown to Charleston, SC, to play NTN at the Silver Dollar on King Street, which bills itself as one of the world's great bars. but they weren't open yet at 3:30 PM.

Then, drove out to North Charleston on I-26 and played NTN-Buzztime at BW3 and Centre Pointe Bar. Saw Donovan's up on top twenty several times.

Gas has dropped a few cents since Friday, to $1.84. Highs around $1.90.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

We took the superslab, I-55, from Springfield to Litchfield. There is not a lot to see along this stretch that you can't see from the interstate and that would be Art's Motel and Restaurant (and newly redone sign) and the Our Lady of the Highways.

Checked into America's Best Value Inn in Litchfield. This is where we usually stay when in town. It used to be a Best Western in the sixties and Liz's family stayed there on their trips to visit Frances' family in Independence, Missouri. She has memories of the swimming pool.

Her parents would often eat at the Gardens next door. Of course, Amby would have several high balls.

We definitely weren't happy last June to find they didn't have the reservations we'd made several months in advance for the Route 66 Festival. They did have one room left, so gave it to us at a higher price and upstairs on the second floor. As we get older, jaunts up the stairs with luggage is less and less fun.

It is right across the old four-lane 66 from the well-known Ariston and used to be right next to the famous Gardens restaurant, a long-time 66 fixture until torn down a few years back for a............WALGREEN'S!!!! Thanks, guys.

I forgot to mention that in Pontiac, we went right to the Il-4 bridge that the Weisses found some time back. Until the last few times we'd visited it, it was a hit-or-miss and then a lot of looking to find it. I finally did figure out where it was, however. But now, anyone can find it right away because of the new and improved signage.

Even though the bridge had to be replaced, the state did a great job and it looks the same. The original end posts, however, were kept. The one with the Route 4 logo (Route 66 replaced this road) was repainted carefully by John and Lenore as it was quite faded.

As I've said before, I'm not sure if I like a Cozy Dog or their fries better. They're both special in their own way. Then, there's the special Cozy Dog salt you put on the fries. The fries are always made fresh as well. None of that store-bought stuff for their customers.

A properly dressed CD for me has mustard and raw onions. The cook said the onions are bought at a local market and fresh peeled every day. I used to love onions, but, as I get older find they are getting hotter. Even Vidalia onions are a bit hot now. For some reason, the onions at the CD are never hot, so I load them on.

Another thing I like about the Cozy, is that you can get a shot of cherry in your pop. On that subject, when ordering something to drink, go the extra 10 cents and get a medium instead of a small. Their smalls are really small. You do get free refills for the price.

We sat at the "Liars Table," so named for the regulars who sit there in the mornings and have signed their names on the top. It used to be the smoke table for the clouds hanging over it before the state went smokeless.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Just had to get our fix. And here we were, ground zero for those cornmeal-coated hot dogs and fries, and featuring one of the great Route 66 reading libraries anywhere.

Special today was a Cozy Dig for 15 cents, well, that was the regular price a lot of years ago, probably when Ray Kroc was selling his burgers for that price.

We got the 4 Cozy Dogs and large fry for $8.95. That's a good deal as a Cozy Dog today costs $1.85 and a large fry is $3.10. You can also get 6 Cozy Dogs for $9.25.

They were quite busy, and , of course, will not make Cozies in advance, just when you order them. Went to the magazine library and got a couple Federation Newses and a New Mexico Route 66 magazine after taking a quick look at the souvenirs.

LINCOLN-- Sad to see the Tropics standing there on that corner and still closed. Don't even think about it CVS and Walgreen's. Tall Lincoln is still sitting right across 66 from the Tropics and still reading his book after all those years in Divernon.

BROADWELL-- We were looking at the new picture of the old Pig Hip and, upon getting ready to drive away, saw a car pull up by the road and it was none other than the Old Coot on Route 66 and his young bride, Fran. That it would be none other than Ernie Edwards.

They had been out for a drive to Lincoln where they like to watch the deer at a park. They survived the winter and Ernie was just using a cane. He's looking great for 90+. Didn't get out of the car to talk as we were running behind time and, anytime you get to talking with Ernie, it can be a l-o-n-g talk. Fran said that tourism is picking up as we get into spring.

SPRINGFIELD-- Took I-55 around it to the south side as we had a Cozy Attack. The huge new Wal Mart is open, AND, even better, there is a Golden Corral by it. We've grown quite fond of these places while on the road.

It appears that an old Route 66 bar that's been there from the 1930s, the Sunset Inn, is closed. Nothing elegant, but lots of friendly folks and good conversation.

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Went past the old site of the Ballard Elevator south of Chenoa. Still miss that big old thing standing there all by its lonesome. Nothing there but a little train structure with the name Ballard on it.

Took I-55 around Bloomington-Normal as usual. It will be nice when these two cities accept their 66 Heritage like Pontiac, Lincoln, and Atlanta. And that area north of the towns through the residential section is confusing.

Stopped at Funk's Grove. That road should be graded and something big put some REALLY BIG RUTS beside it. Bought a Rt 66 soup bowl and talked with the lady who is Funk by marriage. They just shut down sap-gathering a couple days ago and had a better than average collection. NO MAPLE CANDY, though!!!

Of course, in the "town" of Funk's Grove, we always like the train station and general store.

Atlanta is always a drive through, despite that horrendously-ugly water tower. I never was a smiley face fan. The Palms (Grill or Cafe?) looks like it is about ready to open. The last time I looked inside, there was a dirt floor. The counter, stools, tables and chairs are in place.

Always good to get back on Route 66, regardless of how many times we've driven it and we have done the stretch between Dwight and Springfield many, many times, and that stretch to St. Louis a lot as well.

Thursday, it took a bit longer to get to Dwight thanks to our catching just about every possible stoplight imaginable. I figure we lost about twenty minutes waiting.

Took the 66 bypass around Dwight, remarking how disappointed we are that Smaterjax (old Fedderson's) did away with all the automotive stuff inside, especially that complete set of Illinois license plates from the 1020s to 1980s all with the same numbers and letters. That was impressive. We would have eaten lunch there, but not anymore.

Took the old alignment through Odell. Liz especially likes the tunnel. No one was at the Standard station.

Pontiac has a lot of new signage for all the 66 alignments, one goes right through the square. Unfortunately, the Downtowner Motel is still closed. There is a new Lincoln statue with him leaning up against a fence by that magnificent court house which gets my vote for most impressive courthouse along Route 66.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Carl Fisher was born in Greenburg, Indiana, in 1874 and lived in poverty with his family. Always the businessman, he opened a bicycle shop and later one of the first automobile dealerships in Indianapolis.

He got a design for auto headlights and founded the Prest-O-Lite Company and when he sold it, he became a millionaire.

he then built the Indianapolis Speedway and, in 1913, started the Lincoln Highway connecting the east and west coasts. Soon after, his Dixie Highway connected the US north and south.

While visiting Miami, he bought swampland to the east, cleared and dredged 200 acres and built hotels, shops and night clubs. In 1915, Miami Beach was incorporated.

Carl Fisher was a man with huge dreams who was not afraid to act on them. I already knew about the two highways mentioned, the Indianapolis Speedway, and Miami Beach, but I didn't know about Montauk, New York, which, according to Tom Clavin in the Feb. 17th East Hampton Press and Southampton Press, he was planning on turning into the Miami Beach of the north.

In 1925, he built the 200-room Montauk Manor as a residence for wealthy vacationers to launch his plans. It had a ballroom, international restaurant and was located on top of Signal Hill with sweeping views of the ocean.

It still stands today as a 140 condo apartment structure. It is one of thirty buildings Fisher had constructed in Montauk that remain.

Fisher formed the Montauk Beach Development Corporation and bought 10,000 acres for $25 million and then spent another $7 million developing it. During World War II, Montauk Manor became barracks for enlisted servicemen at the nearby torpedo testing facility. That would be ONE NICE barrack.

Liz and I will be traveling Route 66 today from Dwight to, perhaps Litchfield, Illinois, perhaps even St. Louis. You just never know how long it takes to cruise the road. There's always something new to see and do.

Might even get to Hamel and visit Scottie's.

Also, always interesting to see how things have changed for better or worse. Thinking Cozy Dogs right now, but who knows? Sirup, anyone?

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Actually, it's going to be four celebrations in one, running four days, June 25 to June 28. Heritage Days, usually in August, and the Hang Loose Car Show and Cruise Night will be moved to coincide with the Walldogs painting 17 murals around town.

These murals will deal with themes ranging from Pontiac's heritage, the Vermillion River, Route 66, Harriet Humiston, and the Interurban Railroad.

Next time you're in Chicago, don't go looking to visit the tallest building in North America (once tallest in the world), the Sears Tower. The building's still here, but the name is now the Willis Tower (what was that old sitcom?)

This London-based insurance brokerage company is not well-known here in the US, but will get some name recognition now.

However, I will continue calling it the Sears Tower. After all, it's is still Comiskey Park to me.

I must admit, also, I'm not much of a fan of anything corporate these days.

Monday, March 16, 2009

I know a lot of road folk sometimes tend to put down the ubiquitous McDonald's stores, seemingly in every town.

But, I have to admit liking their Dollar Menu. Their replacement for the old double cheeseburger, the McDouble (with one piece of cheese instead of two, is still as good. Then, there are the great sundaes and side salad. Those Newman dressings are outstanding. I especially like the lowfat Balsemic.

The McDonald's by us in Fox Lake, Illinois, also has copies of the Chicago Tribune for 25 cents (regular price 75 cents) Monday to Saturday.

I like their new McCafe coffees, especially the free 8-ouncers on Mondays.

Then there is that McRIB SANDWICH. Wish they had it all the time, but, then, maybe that's not a good idea.

Saturday, March 14, 2009

An article in the January 30, 2009, USA Today, about Bluffton, South Carolina, which is referred to as one of the oldest second-home destinations in the US. And now, it is becoming MORE of a bargain, if you call $600,000, or $459,995 a bargain.

As nearby Hilton Head built up, the one-square mile Bluffton realized money was to be made, and began incorporating nearby areas and now there are 54 square miles. Population has grown from 400 to about 15,000.

Our economic woes have dropped prices on lots and homes.

THREE NEIGHBORHOODS

OLD TOWN-- the original square mile town by the river.

PALMETTO BLUFF-- over 20,000 acres, low-density, and only 2,900 homes allowed for the very rich. Home sites begin at $300,000 and homes run from $1.19 million to $4.95 million. Now we know where all those hedge fund operators, investment bankers and stock market folks bought their second homes.

HAMPTON HALL-- probably the most affordable with homes going from $400,00 to $800,000. Still TOO much.

Definitely the LAND OF THE RICH FOLKS.OF INTEREST-- In 1844, "The Bluffton Movement" started as a protest against Federal taxes and that led to the secession movement and South Carolina became the first state to leave the Union before the Civil War.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Our quest for warmth to the Florida Panhandle also had two places I would put in the Honorable Mention category. Both had the possibility of being really GREAT PLACES, but didn't make the cut because of problems.

CALYPSO-- Panama City Beach-- When we found a motel right across the street, we were especially excited, but, then, reality.

Even with more TVs than we have seen in most restaurant/bars, none were ever tuned into any Buzztime stations at any time we went inside. I doubt that they will be keeping NTN/Buzztime much longer. The first night, they were having that wrestling/boxing fight, but they did turn one TV on in the bar. The second time we went in, the bartender told us we could only play it in the restaurant. In the restaurant, they said we could only play it in the bar. The bartender wouldn't turn it on, so we left. We did get to play it in the bar one time.

Too bad because they also had $1 pints of Coors Light and $4 pitchers every day, and, it was right across the street from where we were staying. A great combination, but we only played three times instead of daily (we were there nine days).

PINEAPPLE WILLY'S-- Panama City Beach-- One of the major hot spots in town, and no doubt packed now that the Spring Breakers are in town. However, NTN was moved out to the Pier Bar and that was open for a couple weeks when we were there.

This could be a great spot to play NTN, though, as you'll be overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Playing NTN with a water view, that's great.

I finally got around to listing my TOP FIVE NEW NTN/BUZZTIME sites from the Jan-Feb trip to Panama City Beach, Florida. These were unique places that I am very likely to visit again.

#5. LEGENDS-- Dothan, Alabama-- In a strip mall. Very friendly patrons and bartenders. And, you DON'T need to be a member to play. Most NTN places in town have memberships because of ABC (serving alcohol) requirements.

#4. THIRSTY GOAT-- Port St. Joe, Florida-- very small and in an old hotel dating back to 1900. They don't open until 4 PM. We were too early, but they let us play anyway.

#3. MANGO MARLEY'S-- Mexico Beach, Florida-- Your traditional Beach Bar from decor, bar, and picnic table dining. Right across the street from the Gulf. Featuring "Florabbean" food and good times. Good name as well.

#2. ARCHIE & CLYDE'S ROCA BAR-- Newburgh, Indiana-- Besides the great name (who calls a place a Roca Bar, and what is a roca anyway?) They're carrying on a tradition dating back to the 1950s with an earlier pizza place in nearby Evansville.

And...

#1. JOE'S CORNER BAR-- Panama City, Florida-- This is a "locals" place and, if you like a "Cheers" kind of a place, this is it. They just got NTN and are already starting to get a good base of players. This is the only one of the top five places where others were playing the game. Lots of friendly folks and bartenders.

And, as the bartender from Buffalo Wild Wings said, they have the best wings in the area. Definitely try the blu cheese dressing with them. Homemade and the best I've ever had.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

This month's Smithsonian Magazine listed "Ten Must-See Endangered Cultural Treasures, and one of them was good old Route 66. Personally, I'm not sure how endangered it is overall, but we definitely lose parts of it as time goes by.

The writer, Megan Gambino, said that John Steinbeck had called it the "mother road" in The Grapes of Wrath, but now it was "more of an impoverished great grand-mother." It will turn 83 this year, but is "not aging gracefully. Derelict gas stations, restaurants and trading posts, often vandalized, line its rural stretches, their neon signs long since dimmed. Developers are bulldozing quirky motels to make room for generic high-rises."

Sure, that is happening in areas, but, the opposite is also happening. Some of the motels and gas stations have been lovingly restored. New places, like Pops in Oklahoma, are opening.

However, any publicity for the old road is greatly appreciated by those of us who enjoy its charm and miles.

DES PLAINES, ILLINOIS-- apartment off Golf Road near Golf Mill. I moved in at the beginning of August and Liz later after we were married in Dekalb, Illinois. Lived here 1973-1974. I was working at the Bonanza Sirloin Pit in Buffalo Grove and Liz at General Finance Corporation in Evanston when we moved in. A few days before the wedding, I got a job teaching in Round Lake, Illinois, and made that drive every day. One year.

VERNON HILLS, ILLINOIS-- apartment off US-45 (1974-1975). Moved to be closer to Round Lake. Liz still working in Evanston. One year.

ROUND LAKE BEACH, ILLINOIS-- our first house (1975-1992). Liz got a job teaching in Round Lake as well, thanks to our builder. Bought a Fairfield home on an oversized lot for $33,000 with help from my parents with deposit. We went FHA and they really made us jump through the hoops to get the loan, something obviously not done by lenders the last several years. We had this house built for us. Seventeen years.

We got spoiled with our commutes which were only a few miles.

SPRING GROVE, ILLINOIS-- our second and present house (1992 to 2009)-- Round Lake was getting too large and congested, plus, needed more room. Wanted a house on the Chain of Lakes, but couldn't afford to build what we wanted by the water. Found a lot fitting our needs in a subdivision in Spring Grove and designed our house, based on different things we liked from other homes we'd seen. About a ten mile commute until we retired in 2006. Seventeen years. This November, we'll break the previous record for length.

Hopin' to Stay Put, But, With Taxes getting Out of Hand, I Don't Know. --RoadDog

Monday, March 9, 2009

Just 390 people live in town. Many are trying to fight the town's being swallowed up by North Myrtle Beach to the north and Myrtle Beach to the south.

A HISTORY

Atlantic Beach started out in the 1930s when a black man named George Tyson bought two tracts of ocean-front land so that other blacks could enjoy the ocean during the Jim Crow law South days. Blacks were not allowed on white beaches.

When he could no longer afford the land, he sold to a group of blacks from North and South Carolina who split the property into property for hotels, clubs and summer homes. After WW II, many black doctors, lawyers, and other professionals came here as did former soldiers when they were building the air force base.

There were bumper cars, a merry-go-round, a Ferris wheel and bars. Restaurants and businesses lined the main street. Juke boxes played the great soul music that became the basis of today East Coast Beach Music that is so popular today. The Pavilion was very popular as well.

When the Jim Crow laws started dying in the 1960s, blacks started going to Myrtle Beach, the "luster of the Black Pearl began to fade. Absentee landlords let their property crumble, and corruption moved in." Crime and drugs flourished.

The future of this town looks very grim indeed.

I know that Liz and I accidentally ended up in this community the first time we came to the Grand Strand area, and beat a hasty retreat out of it. We were very frightened and have never been back.

Back in the 90s, a movie called "The Shag" was made about Beach Music, and the Atlantic Beach Pavilion was used for the dance scenes.

Let's Hope They are Able to Come Up with a Solution to the Problems. It Would Be a Shame to Let This Part of History Fade Away. --RoadDog

I was born in North Carolina and lived there eight years. I lived for a half a year in Jacksonville, Florida. Then back to North Carolina for a year and a half. Then with the exception of a year, I've lived in Illinois.

Palatine, Il-- last quarter at Liz's parents' house while doing student teaching and two months until we got our apartment. (1973)

Not counting college, that would be ten times my family moved from birth to sophomore year in college. There are seven more for myself in college. A total of 17 places. I guess I am above the dozen average.

Then There's Getting All Those Boxes from Stores to Pack Stuff In. --RoadDog

I hate moving. I never have liked moving. I hope not to move anytime soon, but may have to when property taxes here in Spring Grove, Illinois, hit $10,000 in five to six years. Right now, they are a bit over $8,000. Way more than the services I receive.

Sunday I read Julia Keller's "Lit Life" column in the Chicago Tribune. She was reviewing Louise DeSalvo's new book, "On Moving: A Writer's Meditation on New Homes, Old Haunts, and Finding Home Again."

In the column, Keller says that the average American moves almost a dozen times in their lifetime.

I got to thinking about my moves. I used to move a lot, but, since 1975, have only moved once. One thing I did notice was that each time Liz and I moved since we got married, we had considerably more "stuff" to move, mostly mine. I'm a "stuff" accumulator.

Early moves were with the family as Dad worked his way up the business ladder with Quaker Oats. Then, there were the college days.

Since college and marriage, there have been just four moves with three coming in the first three years as we situated ourselves with work and affordable housing. We have been in our current home in Spring Grove since 1992, the second longest I've ever lived somewhere.

A Somewhat Complete List of Places Later Today. As Good as Memory Permits, Anyway. --RoadDog

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Article in Feb. 1st Panama City News Herald about a beach town that hit upon hard times, Atlantic Beach, South Carolina, by Jeffrey Collins of AP. "Once-segregated beach town struggling to survive."

One of the few businesses left in town, the Crazy Horse strip club, has paid its 2009 taxes early to keep the town from laying off its few remaining employees. Now, this is not something you'd expect to see regarding any town located by the shore, especially the Grand Strand where high-rises are replacing the old mom and pop places. People flock here for fun in the sun, but not poor Atlantic Beach.

Collins writes that the town appears frozen in time since the quarter square mile place looks essentially the way it did back in its heyday, 50 years ago, only more run-down.

It is also physically isolated from the other communities with its only point of entrance and egress at US-17. All other north-south roads are blocked.

Friday, March 6, 2009

After reading Amy Hotz's "25 Things You Didn't Know" Face Book for Wilmington, Number 24, I didn't know what a "Seneca Gun" was. Never heard of it before. Looked it up.

According to the USGS, is more of a name than an explanation. It is a noise sometimes accompanied by shakings. The name originally came from a short story by James Fennimore Cooper in the early 1800s about the strange noises around lakes Seneca and Cayuga in New York state.

The name also applies to the mysterious noises sometimes heard along the coasts of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.

I've been in North Carolina a lot, but have never heard one of these, other than some sonic booms around hometown of Goldsboro from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.

Continuing with List Universe's ten stops from yesterday. Glad to say that Liz and I have been to all ten as well as the first ten listed earlier this week.

5. METEOR CRATER-- Meteor Crater, Arizona, just past Winslow. Population 2. The meteor hit 50,000 years ago and made a crater 4,000 feet wide and 570 feet deep. Went here, but found they were closing in 15 minutes so figured it wouldn't be worth the $12 or so admission.

4. EL RANCHO HOTEL-- Gallup, NM-- Built 1937 by the brother of movie producer D.W. Griffith. Many movies made in the area and stars stayed here like Marilyn Monroe, Ronald Reagan, Erroll Flynn, and Kirk Douglas. We stayed here and got to meet and talk with the owner, quite an interesting man.

3. JACK RABBIT TRADING POST-- Joseph City, Az-- You see the billboards for miles. Famous "Here it is" out front. Get you picture taken on the giant rabbit.

2. LOU MITCHELL'S RESTAURANT-- Chicago, Illinois-- Watch out for the line. Open until 2 PM. Right by Union Station and Sears Tower. Great food and definitely try the home-made toast and marmalade. Coffee puts Starbucks to shame. Watch out for Chicago 10% sales tax, though.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

The February 7th List Universe followed up on the first ten sites (see yesterday) with another ten of interest.

#10. ROUND BARN-- ARCADIA, OKLAHOMA-- green lumber soaked in water to bend to shape. It had just closed when we arrived. Impressive from the outside, though.

#9. U-DROP INN-- SHAMROCK, TEXAS-- probably the most recognizable site along route. Also, not open, but very impressive art deco.

#8. COZY DOG DRIVE IN-- SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS-- birth place of the corn dog, well, maybe. Founded by Ed Waldemire, father of eccentric Route 66 artist Bob Waldemire. Like those dogs with mustard and raw onion slices. Then, there's those fries. I think I like them as much as the Cozies.

#7. BIG TEXAN STEAK RANCH-- AMARILLO, TEXAS-- Since 1960, the home of the 72-oz get it free if you eat it all in an hour along with baked potato, salad, roll, and shrimp cocktail. So far, 60,000 have attempted and 8,500 succeeded. Didn't even think about trying it. Did have the Rocky Mountain Oysters, though. Taste like chicken.

#6. WIGWAM VILLAGE-- HOLBROOK, ARIZONA AND RIALTO, CALIFORNIA-- Teepee motel. Sleep in a wigwam. Once seven in US, now, only three, the other in Cave City, Kentucky. Every time we arrived at one, it was too early to stop. Maybe next time. I did stay at the Wigwams at Cave City, Kentucky.

Between the aesthetics, history, river, proximity to the beaches (especially Carolina and Topsail), food, and Fort Fisher, I'd have to say Wilmington, North carolina, is one of my favorite places anywhere.

On March 1st, Wilmington Star News' Amy Hotz had a fun "Face Book" 25 Random Things About Self" report. Evidently, this "25 Things" is quite popular on Face Book, even though I've never been on it. I've heard about Face Book though.

Here's what Amy had to say:

1. SEMI-FAMOUS-- one nickname Wilmywood-- more than 300 films made here since 1980s.

Very sad to see that Paul Harvey has died at age 90. His life was intertwined with Route 66 in that he was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and had radio shows in Tulsa and St. Louis, both on 66, before settling in Chicago for the majority of his career.

He also gave radio shows for the little guys, the mom and pops of the world. If the traditional Route 66 isn't mom and pop, I don't know what is.

In addition, Ron Warnick in his Route 66 News, noted that on two occasions Paul Harvey directly touched Route 66. Once when he did a bit on Wrink's Market in Lebanon, Missouri, and was very impressed with the 99 cent bologna sandwiches.

Another time, the Friends of the Mother Road group was trying to raise money to work on Vernelle's Motel sign in Doolittle, Missouri. Mr. Harvey sent a personal check for $1,000.

On a more personal note, Paul Harvey also did a show on my grandfather's casket flowers in Goldsboro, North Carolina. Since he was such a farmer, the casket spray was made up of vegetables.

A couple weeks ago, I went to a store called Half-Price Books in Arlington Heights, Illinois, located in a shopping center at the corner of Dundee and Rand (US-12) roads.

Retired as I am, I have begun to try to cut back on books that I buy, but ended up getting six books on areas I have interest. Two were on the naval actions of the Civil War, two were on music (charts from the 50s to 2000 and black music) and two were of road interest.

This being the road blog, one of the books is "Fast Food: Roadside Restaurants in the Automobile Age" by John A. Jakle and Keith A. Sculle. For $5, this was a really great deal. It is part of the Road and American Culture series. Series editor is Drake Hokanson, a name I am familiar with.

Chapters are as follows: Rise of the Quick-Service Restaurant, Quick-Service Restaurants in Auto Age, Restaurant Chains, Hamburger Places, and McDonald's.

Monday, March 2, 2009

Some New (Well Newer) News About an Old Road-- the Lincoln Highway. Just clearing out some old stuff from last year.

1. STANGL POTTERY-- was begun by Samuel Hill in 1814 in Flemington, NJ. By 1900, it was called Fulper Pottery. They had striking factories where they made the pottery. From the 1930s to 1978, Stangl's Flemington Outlet was a big tourist spot. In Nov. 1978, they ceased manufacturing and closed forever.

They were known for innovative art ware, bright and colorful bird figurines and floral and fruit pattern hand-painted dinnerware.

2. HOOSIER HAPPENINGS-- The Jan. 22, 2008 Hoosier Happening Blog had two pictures of buildings along the LH. The author refers to self as a road aficionado. http://hoosierhappenings.blogspot.com.

3. TEIBEL'S-- On May 10th, Hoosier happenings wrote about Teibel's Restaurant in Schererville, Indiana at US-30/US-41. In 1929, two brothers, Martin and Stephen Teibel started a 12-seat diner there and it became a Lincoln Highway institution. He had several pictures including one with a half a chicken for 50 cents. A joint meeting of the Indiana and Illinois LHA chapters was held there last summer.

Liz and I had the opportunity to eat New Year's Eve dinner there. I'll be back, but next time want to eat in the restaurant part instead of the banquet rooms. A lot more expensive than 50 cents I can assure you, but worth it.

There are quite a few places around here and the great Midwest that have maple syrup demonstrations going on now, even though I suppose there are more in Vermont.

I went to the Funk's Grove Sirup site and found out about a legend as to how Indians discovered it, excuse me, Native Americans.

Legend has it that an Iroquois Chief Woksis put his hatchet into a tree for safe keeping overnight. The next day he removed it and went hunting. By chance, there was a bowl underneath where he had placed the hatchet and during the day, sap ran into it.

His wife mistook it for water and used in her venison stew. As it cooked, the water evaporated, leaving that sweet and sticky substance. It sure sweetened the stew, and, an industry was born.

Sunday, March 1, 2009

One place to go this time of the year is to any place that is making their own maple syrup (or SIRUP according to Funk's Grove).

An article in today's Northwest Herald (Illinois) was about the annual Festival of Sugar Maples at Coral Woods Conservation Area in Marengo, Illinois, (about 25 miles from home here in Spring Grove) that went on last weekend and will reopen for March 7th and 8th from 10 AM to 3 PM.

It takes 40 gallons of sap to make 1 gallon of syrup and you can only do it when temps are above freezing (which put a kabosh on last weekend with our unseasonably cold. Tapping occurs until the end of March when the trees start to bud and the sap turns bitter. Sap is 97% water and 3% sugar. Gives new meaning to the term sugar water. The older and larger diameter the tree, the better. A tree with a 25-inch diameter can easily handle 3 taps.

Of course, we have the world-famous Funk's Grove Sirup on Route 66, just south of Bloomington-Normal, Illinois. Sirup is spelled correctly because, according to them, when the maple sirup is 100% pure, nothing added, this is the correct spelling. Plus, the spelling is an eye-catcher.